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Penetrating Neck Trauma Exploration

Anesthesia Implications

Clinically reviewed by anesthesia providers · Updated

Position : Supine, head turned away from field, head slightly extended
Time : 1-2 hours (average)
Blood Loss : High (200 - 500 ml)
Post-op Pain : Moderate (4-6)
Maintenance Paralytic : None until the airway is secured; an awake technique is often the safer choice, and a relaxant follows the airway.
Considerations : Arterial line, Aspiration risk / Full stomach, Venous Air Embolism

Anesthetic Approaches

1GETT
The Surgery

Incision along the sternocleidomastoid - the anterior border of the muscle gives access to the carotid sheath, the trachea and the esophagus on that side. Proximal and distal control - the vessel is...

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